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MEMORIES Stanley Baxter I first visited the Western Baths as a youngster when an elderly clergyman who was tutoring me in Latin at Millport took me along as a guest. I had been evacuated to Millport from 150 Wilton Street after the Glasgow Blitz. I have a hazy memory of an enjoyable afternoon.
My more recent association came about after I'd started swimming at the RAC in London an wished to keep up the regime when I came to Glasgow to do pantomime. Chums at the BBC sponsored my temporary membership which I have always renewed whenever back in Glasgow. The tensions of a long panto run are greatly relieved by using the splendid Turkish bath facilities. As Una McLean said "It's a godsend to us hysterical types" - this followed by her infectious laugh!
On my first adult visit to the Western Baths I met up with contemporaties from Hillhead School that I hadn't seen for 45 years. Some were surprised that I didn't immediately recognise them. I apologised and pointed out that they had been able to see me grow older on "the box". That helps! I gradually got to know all the Turkish regulars - men from a wide range of jobs and professions: teachers, businessmen, clergymen and students. The Western is typically Glaswegian in its lack of snobbery; accents vary from Pllockshields to Partick and they gossip happily together as their voices emanate from figures prostrate on the rest room benches.
On one of my early visits to the Western Baths it was brought home to me how very different is the assesment of what constitutes a scandal in Glasgow and my present neck of the woods. I have six nephews-in-law and one afternoon by the plunge pool a Reithan figure emerged like Neptune to intone - there is no other word - "I see one of your nephews is in trouble". Fraud, bimbos divorce - nay homicide - all flashed before me.
"Trouble?" I tried to sound casual.
"Yes, he was sent off at Murrayfield." When I laughed with relief, Neptune remonstrated "It's no laughing matter. It was a serious foul."
Bless 'em all.
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